Annual sandcastle competition takes over East Beach Saturday

Sixty teams of architects, engineers, designers and other whiz kidz will gather on Galveston’s East Beach on Saturday, June 2, for the 26th annual AIA Houston Sandcastle Competition.

Golden Bucket Awards will go to sand castles in eight themed categories: “That’s Entertainment,” “Let the Games Begin,” “Stars and Stripes,” most complex, best traditional, best architectural, most hilarious and most realistic. Judging criteria includes originality of concept, artistic execution, degree of difficulty and carving technique.

Other awards will be given for best signage, best costume and spectators’ favorite. The event is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free for spectators, but there is a $10 parking fee.

Tip: judging starts at 3 p.m. so time your visit accordingly if you’re only interested in seeing the finished sand castles.